The Parks Department & Recreation has jurisdiction over all trees that grow on the public right of way, including trees along city streets, avenues and parks. Within the parks, forest divisions are responsible for maintaining our nearly 600,000 street trees. New trees are planted on the streets in eligible locations requested by the public and in locations determined by New York City parks. All plantations are within the right of public way owned by the city.
Visit the street tree planting page to request a street tree or learn more about planting a tree on your own in front of your home or business. Each new tree will have two wooden stakes on each side for support and the area around the tree will be covered with mulch to minimize weed growth and retain water. Every three years, Con Ed cuts down the city's trees that are on the right of way, as well as privately owned trees with branches that grow near transmission lines. Street tree planting requirements increase street tree canopy, improve air quality, and promote stormwater management.
It has caused many tree establishment problems and infrastructure conflicts in the years after the tree was installed. However, if you have an emergency tree pruning request, visit our tree pruning page for more information. Visit the New York Restoration Project website for information on free tree gifts near you and helpful tips for planting and growing your new tree. Parks will remove street trees that are in poor condition, as well as large branches that have fallen to the ground or are about to fall in front of houses, parks and other public places.
If you want to plant a tree on your own in front of your property, you'll need a tree planting permit. First of all, the 600,000 trees you mentioned are approaching 700,000 right now (679 160, according to the most recent figures on the map of street trees in New York City parks). If a city tree requires work outside of Park and Con Ed's regular maintenance programs, anyone who wants to work on a tree in or around a street or park must first obtain a Parks permit here. Homeowners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalk in front of their property due to damage that may result from planting new trees or existing tree roots.
Volunteers can irrigate and mulch street trees, cultivate the land, plant flowers in tree beds, and install tree protectors. If the branches or roots of a neighbor's tree are invading your property, let the tree owner know so he has a chance to correct the problem.
